Boris Becker pleased by Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic embracing each other in heartwarming hug after Six Kings Slam clash
Boris Becker reacted to the heartwarming moment between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as their final match ended with an embrace. The two tennis legends faced off in the third-place playoff at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event on Saturday, October 19.
In the semifinals of the Six Kings Slam, Djokovic was defeated by Jannik Sinner while Nadal was ousted by Carlos Alcaraz to set up a third-place playoff between the tennis legends. Djokovic defeated Nadal 6-2, 7-6(5), in what was the final time they played against each other while Nadal was still a professional player.
Emotional scenes ensued right after the final point was played as the pair embraced in a lengthy hug at the net. Djokovic showed his appreciation for his longtime rival, while fans gave Nadal a warm ovation following his last match before the Davis Cup Finals.
German tennis legend Becker reposted the video on his Instagram Story and wrote:
"2 absolute legends of tennis"
After the match, both Djokovic and Nadal exchanged heartfelt words. Nadal praised Djokovic for playing a key role in shaping him into the player he became.
"Novak, you helped me go over my limits for 15 years. I will probably not be the player I am [without you]. I wish you the best of luck for the future," said Rafael Nadal.
In the final of the Six Kings Slam exhibition event, Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3 in a thrilling contest.
"Utmost respect" - Boris Becker reacts to Novak Djokovic's emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal
Speaking after the match, Novak Djokovic told Rafael Nadal that he had the utmost respect for him and he hoped to reflect on life together someday.
"I have the utmost respect for you - an incredible athlete and an incredible person... The rivalry has been incredible, it has been very intense, so I hope we will have a chance to sit on the beach somewhere and have a drink reflecting on life and talking about something else," Djokovic said.
Boris Becker reposted a part of Djokovic's quote on his Instagram Story and wrote:
"Utmost respect."
Nadal will now train for the final tournament of his professional career, the Davis Cup Finals. He will represent Spain against the Netherlands in the quarterfinal on November 19, with the winner of the match taking on either Canada or Germany in the semifinal.